Episode 294 Myths and Legends Ishtar

1. Fill in the blanks while you listen to the episode.

Character Overview

In the ancient Near East, Ishtar was an important and widely worshipped mother goddess for many Semitic peoples. The Sumerians called her Inanna, and other groups of the Near East referred to her as Astarte.

A complex figure, Ishtar combined the [1] good and evil-of many different [2] . As a mother figure, she was considered the mother of gods and humans, as well as the creator of all [3] blessings. In this role, she grieved over human [4] and served as a protector of [5] and motherhood. People also worshipped Ishtar as the goddess of sexual love and fertility. The more destructive side of Ishtar’s nature emerged primarily in [6] with war and storms. As a warrior goddess, she could make even the gods tremble in fear. As a storm goddess, she [7] bring rain and thunder.

Major Myths

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the moon god Sin and sister of the sun god Shamash. Others mention the sky god Anu, the moon god Nanna, the water god Ea, or the god [8] , lord of the earth and the air, as her father.

Ishtar appears in many myths, but two are especially important. The first, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, tells how [9] offered to [10] the hero-king Gilgamesh because she was impressed by his courage and exploits. According to the epic, Gilgamesh refused her offer and insulted Ishtar, reminding the goddess of all the previous lovers she had harmed. Enraged, Ishtar sent the fierce Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh, but he and his [11] Enkidu killed the beast instead.

The other [ 12 ] myth of [ 13 ] concerns her descent to the underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tammuz. In this story, Ishtar decided to visit the underworld, which was ruled by her [14] Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize power there. Before departing, she instructed her follower Ninshubur to seek the help of the gods if she did not [15] .

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had to pass through seven gates and remove a English Plus Podcast - 2 - [16] of her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry-at each one. At the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived of all her powers, met her sister Ereshkigal, who announced that Ishtar must die. She died immediately, and her corpse was hung on a stake.

Meanwhile, the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that Ishtar was missing and sent two messengers who restored her to life. However, in order to leave the underworld, Ishtar had to substitute another body for her own. The goddess offered her young [17] , Tammuz, to take her place. This tale of death and rebirth was [18] with fertility and linked to the seasons and agricultural cycles, much like the story of Persephone in Greek mythology. In another version of the [19] ,[20] travels to the underworld to rescue Tammuz, who has died, and manages to [21] him back-but only for part of each year. Thus the [22] and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural cycles.

Ishtar in Context

Ishtar and the myths about her provide interesting insight into ancient Near Eastern views on the roles of men and women in society. For example, [23] is said to have had many relationships with men, gods, and animals. During those relationships, the males are [24] always said to have suffered because they were distracted or weakened by Ishtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians respected and revered [25] ’s reproductive power. The [26] given this powerful female goddess translated into [27] for women in Babylonian society.

Though Near [28] rulers were usually men, women were able to hold [29] and prestigious religious and political positions. This changed as the male- dominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with the worship of Ishtar were branded as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, women gradually lost their [30] , political, legal, and [31] power.

Key Themes and Symbols

Ishtar was believed to be the representation of the planet [32] , and the eight- pointed star is a symbol commonly associated with her. As an extension of her role as the goddess of [33] love, Ishtar was also the [34] of prostitutes and alehouses. Prostitution was an important part of her cult, and her holy city Erech was [35] as the town of the [36] courtesans (prostitutes).

Ishtar in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 2 English Plus Podcast - 3 - In modern times, Ishtar has benefited from renewed interest in ancient mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film Ishtar, starring Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman and often cited as one of the biggest boxoffice failures in cinematic history, is not connected with the Babylonian goddess other than by name. The name Ishtar has also been used for characters in numerous video games and Japanese [37] , though most do not draw heavily from the mythology of the original goddess.

Read, Write, [38] ,Discuss

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many loves and the sad fates they met. Do you think modern [39] who have a number of romantic relationships are viewed in a similarly negative way today? Do you think this same view applies to males who have several romantic relationships? Why or why not?

A. respect B. goddesses C. females D. return E. almost F. sorrows G. Think H. symbol I. sacred J. protector K. Venus L. respect M. Ishtar N. friend O. women P. Ishtar Q. marry R. well-known S. powerful T. characteristics-both U. death V. connection W. Enlil X. story Y. religious Z. Ishtar AA. sister BB. associated CC. known DD. comics EE. marriage FF. could GG. Ishtar HH. domestic II. Eastern JJ. husband KK. bring LL. sexual MM. earthly

2. Fill in the blanks while you listen to the episode.

Character Overview

In the ancient Near East, Ishtar was an [1] and widely [2] [3] goddess for many Semitic peoples. The Sumerians called her Inanna, and other [4] of the Near East [5] to her as Astarte.

A complex figure, Ishtar [6] the characteristics-both good and evil-of many different goddesses. As a mother [7] ,shewas[8] the mother of gods and humans, as well as the [9] of all earthly blessings. In this role, she [10] over [11] sorrows and served as a [12] of marriage and motherhood. [13] also worshipped Ishtar as the goddess of [14] love and [15] . The more destructive side of Ishtar’s [16] emerged primarily in connection with war and [17] .Asa warrior [18] ,she[19] make even the gods [20] in fear. As a [21] goddess, she could bring rain and thunder.

[22] [23]

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the moon god Sin and [24] of the sun god Shamash. Others mention the sky god Anu, the moon god [25] ,the [26] god Ea, or the god [27] ,lordofthe[28] and the air, as her father.

[29] appears in many myths, but two are especially [30] .Thefirst, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, [31] how Ishtar offered to [32] the hero-king [33] [34] she was [35] by his courage and exploits. [36] to the epic, Gilgamesh [37] her offer and insulted Ishtar, [38] the goddess of all the previous lovers she had harmed. [39] ,[40] sent the fierce Bull of [41] to kill [42] , but he and his friend Enkidu killed the [43] instead.

The other well-known myth of Ishtar concerns her [44] to the underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tammuz. In this story, [45] decided to visit

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 4 English Plus Podcast - 5 - the underworld, which was ruled by her sister Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize [46] there. [47] departing, she instructed her [48] Ninshubur to seek the help of the gods if she did not [49] .

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had to pass through [50] [51] and [52] a[53] of her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry-at each one. At the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived of all her powers, met her sister [54] , who announced that [55] must die. She died immediately, and her [56] was hung on a stake.

[57] , the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that [58] was missing and sent two [59] who [ 60 ] her to life. [61] , in order to leave the underworld, Ishtar had to substitute [62] body for her own. The goddess offered her [63] husband, Tammuz, to take her place. This tale of [64] and [65] was [66] with fertility and linked to the seasons and agricultural [67] , much like the [68] of [69] in Greek [70] . In another version of the story, Ishtar [71] to the underworld to [72] Tammuz, who has died, and manages to bring him back-but only for part of each year. Thus the [73] and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural [74] .

Ishtar in [75]

Ishtar and the myths about her [76] interesting insight into ancient Near [77] views on the [78] of men and [79] in [80] . For example, Ishtar is said to have had many relationships with men, gods, and animals. [81] those relationships, the males are almost always said to have suffered because they were distracted or weakened by Ishtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians respected and revered women’s reproductive power. The [82] given this powerful female goddess [83] into [84] for [85] in Babylonian society.

Though Near Eastern [86] were usually men, [87] were able to hold powerful and [88] religious and [89] positions. This changed as the male-dominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with the worship of Ishtar were [90] as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, [91] gradually lost their religious, political, legal, and domestic

Key Themes and Symbols

Ishtar was [93] to be the [94] of the [95] Venus, and the eight-pointed star is a [96] commonly associated with her. As an extension of her role as the goddess of [97] love, [98] was also the protector of [99] and [100] .Prostitutionwasan [101] part of her cult, and her holy city [102] was known as the town of the [103] courtesans (prostitutes).

Ishtar in Art, Literature, and [104] Life

In [105] times, [106] has benefited from renewed interest in ancient mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film [107] ,starringWarrenBeatty and Dustin Hoffman and [108] cited as one of the biggest boxoffice failures in cinematic [109] , is not connected with the Babylonian [110] other than by name. The name Ishtar has also been used for characters in numerous video games and [111] comics, [112] most do not draw heavily from the mythology of the original goddess.

Read, [113] ,Think,Discuss

In the Epic of [114] , the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many loves and the sad fates they met. Do you think modern females who have a number of romantic [115] are viewed in a similarly negative way [116] ?Doyouthink this same view applies to [117] who have several romantic relationships? Why or why not?

3. In each line of text below there is one word that has been misspelled. Circle the misspelled word and then write the correct spelling of the word on the line on the right side of the page.

Character Overveiw 1.

In the ancient Near East, Ishtir was an important and widely worshipped 2. mother goddess for many Semitic peoples. Th Sumerians called her 3. Inanna, and other groups of the Near East referred to hir as Astarte. 4.

A complex figure, Ishtar combined tha characteristics-both good and 5. evil-of many different goddesses. As a mother figure, shee was 6. considered the mothar of gods and humans, as well as the creator of all 7. earthly blessings. In this role, she grieved over human sorros and 8. served as an protector of marriage and motherhood. People also 9. worshipped Ishtar az the goddess of sexual love and fertility. The more 10. destructive side of Ishtar’s nature emerged primarily inn connection with 11. war and storms. As a warrior goddess, shee could make even the gods 12. tremble in fear. As a sterm goddess, she could bring rain and thunder. 13.

Major Mytzs 14.

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the mown god Sin and 15. sister of the sun god Shamach. Others mention the sky god Anu, the 16. moon god Nanna, tha water god Ea, or the god Enlil, lord of the earth 17. and the ar, as her father. 18.

Ishtar appears in many miths, but two are especially important. The 19. first, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, tells how Ishtir offered to 20. marry the hero-king Gilgamesh becose she was impressed by his 21. courage and exploits. According too the epic, Gilgamesh refused her offer 22. and insulted Ishtar, remindng the goddess of all the previous lovers she 23. hed harmed. Enraged, Ishtar sent the fierce Bull of Heaven to kill 24. Gilgamesh, but he and hiz friend Enkidu killed the beast instead. 25.

The other well-known myth off Ishtar concerns her descent to the 26. underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tamuz. 27. Inthis story,Ishtar decidedtovisittheunderworld,which was ruldby 28. her sistir Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize power there. Before departing, she 29. instructed her follower Ninshubur to seek the help of the gody if she did 30. not raturn. 31.

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had too pass through seven gates and 32. remove a symbol off her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece 33.

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 7 English Plus Podcast - 8 - of jewelry-at each one. Yt the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived 34. off all her powers, met her sister Ereshkigal, who announced that Ishtar 35. must die. Sh died immediately, and her corpse was hung on a stake. 36.

Meanwhile, the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that Ishtar waz 37. missing and sent two messengers whoe restored her to life. However, in 38. order to leave the underworld, Ishtar hed to substitute another body for 39. her own. The goddess affered her young husband, Tammuz, to take her 40. place. This tale of death and rabirth was associated with fertility and 41. linked to the seasons and agricultural cycles, muche like the story of 42. Persephone in Greek mythology. In another version off the story, Ishtar 43. travels too the underworld to rescue Tammuz, who has died, and 44. manages to bring him back-but only for part of each year. Thus tha 45. deith and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural 46. cycles. 47.

Ishtar inn Context 48.

Ishtar and the myths about her provide interesting ensight into ancient 49. Near Easterne views on the roles of men and women in society. For 50. example, Ishtar is said to have had many relationships with man, gods, 51. and animals. During those relationships, the males are almost alwaes 52. said to have suffered because theiy were distracted or weakened by 53. Ichtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians 54. respected and revered womin’s reproductive power. The respect given 55. this powerful fmal goddess translated into respect for women in 56. Babylonien society. 57.

Though Near Eastern rulers were usually men, woman were able to hold 58. powerful and prestigios religious and political positions. This changed 59. as the maledominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, 60. and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with tha worship 61. of Ishtar were brandd as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, women 62. gradually lost their religious, political, legal, end domestic power. 63.

Key Themes end Symbols 64.

Ishtar was believd to be the representation of the planet Venus, and the 65. eight-pointed star iz a symbol commonly associated with her. As an 66. extension of her role as tha goddess of sexual love, Ishtar was also the 67. protector off prostitutes and alehouses. Prostitution was an important 68. part of her cult, and her holy city Erech was known as tha town of the 69. sacred cortesans (prostitutes). 70.

Ishtar in Arb, Literature, and Everyday Life 71.

In modern times, Ishtar haz benefited from renewed interest in ancient 72.

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 8 English Plus Podcast - 9 - mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film Ishtar, staring Warren 73. Beatty and Dustin Hoffman and often cited as one of the biggeste 74. boxoffice failures inn cinematic history, is not connected with the 75. Babylonian goddess other than by name. The name Ishtar has alsoe been 76. used for characters in numerous video gammes and Japanese comics, 77. though most do not draw heavily from the mythology off the original 78. goddes. 79.

Read, Writ, Think, Discuss 80.

In the Epik of Gilgamesh, the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many 81. loves and the sad fates theiy met. Do you think modern females who 82. have an number of romantic relationships are viewed in a similarly 83. ngativ way today? Do you think this same view applies to males who 84. have several romantic relationships? Why or why knot? 85.

Character Overview

A complex figure, Ishtar combined the [1] characteristics-both good and evil-of many different [2] goddesses . As a mother figure, she was considered the mother of gods and humans, as well as the creator of all [3] earthly blessings. In this role, she grieved over human [4] sorrows and served as a protector of [5] marriage and motherhood. People also worshipped Ishtar as the goddess of sexual love and fertility. The more destructive side of Ishtar’s nature emerged primarily in [6] connection with war and storms. As a warrior goddess, she could make even the gods tremble in fear. As a storm goddess, she [7] could bring rain and thunder.

Major Myths

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the moon god Sin and sister of the sun god Shamash. Others mention the sky god Anu, the moon god Nanna, the water god Ea, or the god [8] Enlil , lord of the earth and the air, as her father.

Ishtar appears in many myths, but two are especially important. The first, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, tells how [9] Ishtar offered to [10] marry the hero-king Gilgamesh because she was impressed by his courage and exploits. According to the epic, Gilgamesh refused her offer and insulted Ishtar, reminding the goddess of all the previous lovers she had harmed. Enraged, Ishtar sent the fierce Bull of Heaven to kill Gilgamesh, but he and his [11] friend Enkidu killed the beast instead.

The other [ 12 ] well-known myth of [ 13 ] Ishtar concerns her descent to the underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tammuz. In this story, Ishtar decided to visit the underworld, which was ruled by her [14] sister Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize power there. Before departing, she instructed her follower Ninshubur to seek the help of the gods if she did not [15] return .

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had to pass through seven gates and remove a English Plus Podcast - 2 - [16] symbol of her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry-at each one. At the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived of all her powers, met her sister Ereshkigal, who announced that Ishtar must die. She died immediately, and her corpse was hung on a stake.

Meanwhile, the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that Ishtar was missing and sent two messengers who restored her to life. However, in order to leave the underworld, Ishtar had to substitute another body for her own. The goddess offered her young [17] husband , Tammuz, to take her place. This tale of death and rebirth was [18] associated with fertility and linked to the seasons and agricultural cycles, much like the story of Persephone in Greek mythology. In another version of the [19] story ,[20]Ishtar travels to the underworld to rescue Tammuz, who has died, and manages to [21] bring him back-but only for part of each year. Thus the [22] death and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural cycles.

Ishtar in Context

Ishtar and the myths about her provide interesting insight into ancient Near Eastern views on the roles of men and women in society. For example, [23] Ishtar is said to have had many relationships with men, gods, and animals. During those relationships, the males are [24] almost always said to have suffered because they were distracted or weakened by Ishtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians respected and revered [25] women ’s reproductive power. The [26] respect given this powerful female goddess translated into [27] respect for women in Babylonian society.

Though Near [28] Eastern rulers were usually men, women were able to hold [29] powerful and prestigious religious and political positions. This changed as the male- dominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with the worship of Ishtar were branded as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, women gradually lost their [30] religious , political, legal, and [31] domestic power.

Key Themes and Symbols

Ishtar was believed to be the representation of the planet [32] Venus , and the eight- pointed star is a symbol commonly associated with her. As an extension of her role as the goddess of [33] sexual love, Ishtar was also the [34] protector of prostitutes and alehouses. Prostitution was an important part of her cult, and her holy city Erech was [35] known as the town of the [36] sacred courtesans (prostitutes).

Ishtar in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 2 English Plus Podcast - 3 - In modern times, Ishtar has benefited from renewed interest in ancient mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film Ishtar, starring Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman and often cited as one of the biggest boxoffice failures in cinematic history, is not connected with the Babylonian goddess other than by name. The name Ishtar has also been used for characters in numerous video games and Japanese [37] comics , though most do not draw heavily from the mythology of the original goddess.

Read, Write, [38] Think ,Discuss

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many loves and the sad fates they met. Do you think modern [39] females who have a number of romantic relationships are viewed in a similarly negative way today? Do you think this same view applies to males who have several romantic relationships? Why or why not?

2. Fill in the blanks while you listen to the episode.

Character Overview

In the ancient Near East, Ishtar was an [1] important and widely [2] worshipped [3] mother goddess for many Semitic peoples. The Sumerians called her Inanna, and other [4] groups of the Near East [5] referred to her as Astarte.

A complex figure, Ishtar [6] combined the characteristics-both good and evil-of many different goddesses. As a mother [7] figure ,shewas[8]considered the mother of gods and humans, as well as the [9] creator of all earthly blessings. In this role, she [10] grieved over [11] human sorrows and served as a [12] protector of marriage and motherhood. [13] People also worshipped Ishtar as the goddess of [14] sexual love and [15] fertility . The more destructive side of Ishtar’s [16] nature emerged primarily in connection with war and [17] storms .Asa warrior [18] goddess ,she[19]could make even the gods [20] tremble in fear. As a [21] storm goddess, she could bring rain and thunder.

[22] Major [23] Myths

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the moon god Sin and [24] sister of the sun god Shamash. Others mention the sky god Anu, the moon god [25] Nanna ,the [26] water god Ea, or the god [27] Enlil ,lordofthe[28]earth and the air, as her father.

[29] Ishtar appears in many myths, but two are especially [30] important .Thefirst, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, [31] tells how Ishtar offered to [32] marry the hero-king [33] Gilgamesh [34] because she was [35] impressed by his courage and exploits. [36] According to the epic, Gilgamesh [37] refused her offer and insulted Ishtar, [38] reminding the goddess of all the previous lovers she had harmed. [39] Enraged ,[40]Ishtar sent the fierce Bull of [41] Heaven to kill [42] Gilgamesh , but he and his friend Enkidu killed the [43] beast instead.

The other well-known myth of Ishtar concerns her [44] descent to the underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tammuz. In this story, [45] Ishtar decided to visit

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 4 English Plus Podcast - 5 - the underworld, which was ruled by her sister Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize [46] power there. [47] Before departing, she instructed her [48] follower Ninshubur to seek the help of the gods if she did not [49] return .

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had to pass through [50] seven [51] gates and [52] remove a[53]symbol of her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece of jewelry-at each one. At the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived of all her powers, met her sister [54] Ereshkigal , who announced that [55] Ishtar must die. She died immediately, and her [56] corpse was hung on a stake.

[57] Meanwhile , the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that [58] Ishtar was missing and sent two [59] messengers who [ 60 ] restored her to life. [61] However , in order to leave the underworld, Ishtar had to substitute [62] another body for her own. The goddess offered her [63] young husband, Tammuz, to take her place. This tale of [64] death and [65] rebirth was [66] associated with fertility and linked to the seasons and agricultural [67] cycles , much like the [68] story of [69] Persephone in Greek [70] mythology . In another version of the story, Ishtar [71] travels to the underworld to [72] rescue Tammuz, who has died, and manages to bring him back-but only for part of each year. Thus the [73] death and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural [74] cycles .

Ishtar in [75] Context

Ishtar and the myths about her [76] provide interesting insight into ancient Near [77] Eastern views on the [78] roles of men and [79] women in [80] society . For example, Ishtar is said to have had many relationships with men, gods, and animals. [81] During those relationships, the males are almost always said to have suffered because they were distracted or weakened by Ishtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians respected and revered women’s reproductive power. The [82] respect given this powerful female goddess [83] translated into [84] respect for [85] women in Babylonian society.

Though Near Eastern [86] rulers were usually men, [87] women were able to hold powerful and [88] prestigious religious and [89] political positions. This changed as the male-dominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with the worship of Ishtar were [90] branded as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, [91] women gradually lost their religious, political, legal, and domestic

Key Themes and Symbols

Ishtar was [93] believed to be the [94] representation of the [95] planet Venus, and the eight-pointed star is a [96] symbol commonly associated with her. As an extension of her role as the goddess of [97] sexual love, [98] Ishtar was also the protector of [99] prostitutes and [100] alehouses .Prostitutionwasan [101] important part of her cult, and her holy city [102] Erech was known as the town of the [103] sacred courtesans (prostitutes).

Ishtar in Art, Literature, and [104] Everyday Life

In [105] modern times, [106] Ishtar has benefited from renewed interest in ancient mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film [107] Ishtar ,starringWarrenBeatty and Dustin Hoffman and [108] often cited as one of the biggest boxoffice failures in cinematic [109] history , is not connected with the Babylonian [110] goddess other than by name. The name Ishtar has also been used for characters in numerous video games and [111] Japanese comics, [112] though most do not draw heavily from the mythology of the original goddess.

Read, [113] Write ,Think,Discuss

In the Epic of [114] Gilgamesh , the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many loves and the sad fates they met. Do you think modern females who have a number of romantic [115] relationships are viewed in a similarly negative way [116] today ?Doyouthink this same view applies to [117] males who have several romantic relationships? Why or why not?

3. In each line of text below there is one word that has been misspelled. Circle the misspelled word and then write the correct spelling of the word on the line on the right side of the page.

Character Overveiw 1. Overview

In the ancient Near East, Ishtir was an important and widely worshipped 2. Ishtar mother goddess for many Semitic peoples. Th Sumerians called her 3. The Inanna, and other groups of the Near East referred to hir as Astarte. 4. her

A complex figure, Ishtar combined tha characteristics-both good and 5. the evil-of many different goddesses. As a mother figure, shee was 6. she considered the mothar of gods and humans, as well as the creator of all 7. mother earthly blessings. In this role, she grieved over human sorros and 8. sorrows served as an protector of marriage and motherhood. People also 9. a worshipped Ishtar az the goddess of sexual love and fertility. The more 10. as destructive side of Ishtar’s nature emerged primarily inn connection with 11. in war and storms. As a warrior goddess, shee could make even the gods 12. she tremble in fear. As a sterm goddess, she could bring rain and thunder. 13. storm

Major Mytzs 14. Myths

Some myths say that Ishtar was the daughter of the mown god Sin and 15. moon sister of the sun god Shamach. Others mention the sky god Anu, the 16. Shamash moon god Nanna, tha water god Ea, or the god Enlil, lord of the earth 17. the and the ar, as her father. 18. air

Ishtar appears in many miths, but two are especially important. The 19. myths first, part of the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, tells how Ishtir offered to 20. Ishtar marry the hero-king Gilgamesh becose she was impressed by his 21. because courage and exploits. According too the epic, Gilgamesh refused her offer 22. to and insulted Ishtar, remindng the goddess of all the previous lovers she 23. reminding hed harmed.Enraged,IshtarsentthefierceBullofHeaventokill 24.had Gilgamesh, but he and hiz friend Enkidu killed the beast instead. 25. his

The other well-known myth off Ishtar concerns her descent to the 26. of underworld (land of the dead) and the sacrifice of her husband Tamuz.27.Tammuz In this story, Ishtar decided to visit the underworld, which was ruld by 28. ruled her sistir Ereshkigal, perhaps to seize power there. Before departing, she 29. sister instructed her follower Ninshubur to seek the help of the gody if she did 30. gods not raturn.31.return

To reach the underworld, Ishtar had too pass through seven gates and 32. to remove a symbol off her power-such as an article of clothing or a piece 33. of

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 7 English Plus Podcast - 8 - of jewelry-at each one. Yt the last gate, the goddess, naked and deprived 34. At off all her powers, met her sister Ereshkigal, who announced that Ishtar 35. of must die. Sh died immediately, and her corpse was hung on a stake. 36. She

Meanwhile, the god Enki learned from Ninshubur that Ishtar waz 37. was missing and sent two messengers whoe restored her to life. However, in 38. who order to leave the underworld, Ishtar hed to substitute another body for 39. had her own. The goddess affered her young husband, Tammuz, to take her 40. offered place. This tale of death and rabirth was associated with fertility and 41. rebirth linked to the seasons and agricultural cycles, muche like the story of 42. much Persephone in Greek mythology. In another version off the story, Ishtar 43. of travels too the underworld to rescue Tammuz, who has died, and 44. to manages to bring him back-but only for part of each year. Thus tha 45. the deith and rebirth of Tammuz is also linked to fertility and agricultural 46. death cycles.47.cycles

Ishtar inn Context 48. in

Ishtar and the myths about her provide interesting ensight into ancient 49. insight Near Easterne views on the roles of men and women in society. For 50. Eastern example, Ishtar is said to have had many relationships with man,gods, 51.men and animals. During those relationships, the males are almost alwaes 52. always said to have suffered because theiy were distracted or weakened by 53. they Ichtar’s power over them. This suggests that ancient Babylonians 54. Ishtar respected and revered womin’s reproductive power. The respect given 55. women this powerful fmal goddesstranslatedintorespectforwomenin 56. female Babylonien society. 57. Babylonian

Though Near Eastern rulers were usually men, woman were able to hold 58. women powerful and prestigios religious and political positions. This changed 59. prestigious as the maledominated Judeo-Christian faiths arose in the Near East, 60. male-dominated and female-dominated rituals and practices associated with tha worship 61. the of Ishtar were brandd as evil. As the worship of Ishtar faded, women 62. branded gradually lost their religious, political, legal, end domestic power. 63. and

Key Themes end Symbols 64. and

Ishtar was believd to be the representation of the planet Venus, and the 65. believed eight-pointed star iz asymbolcommonlyassociatedwithher.Asan 66.is extension of her role as tha goddess of sexual love, Ishtar was also the 67. the protector off prostitutes and alehouses. Prostitution was an important 68. of part of her cult, and her holy city Erech was known as tha town of the 69. the sacred cortesans (prostitutes). 70. courtesans

Ishtar in Arb, Literature, and Everyday Life 71. Art

In modern times, Ishtar haz benefited from renewed interest in ancient 72. has

Copyright © 2021 English Plus Podcast | www.englishpluspodcast.com 8 English Plus Podcast - 9 - mythologies of the Near East. The 1987 film Ishtar, staring Warren 73. starring Beatty and Dustin Hoffman and often cited as one of the biggeste 74. biggest boxoffice failures inn cinematic history, is not connected with the 75. in Babylonian goddess other than by name. The name Ishtar has alsoe been 76. also used for characters in numerous video gammes and Japanese comics, 77. games though most do not draw heavily from the mythology off the original 78. of goddes.79.goddess

Read, Writ,Think,Discuss 80. Write

In the Epik of Gilgamesh, the hero insults Ishtar by mentioning her many 81. Epic loves and the sad fates theiy met. Do you think modern females who 82. they have an number of romantic relationships are viewed in a similarly 83. a ngativ waytoday?Doyouthinkthissameviewappliestomaleswho 84.negative have several romantic relationships? Why or why knot?85.not